Doing own accounts

[Mobile Chicane]

My accountants aren't very good, and the ones before were equally as tardy.

I'd like to do my own accounts. I have a simple business - I'm a sole trader contractor Ltd company on flat rate VAT, so my books should be the easiest there is.

Does anyone know if there's a good book or training course I can go on to make sure I can do all the following

VAT returns, PAYE, NI, Payroll, Expenses.

Thanks

Nick

[ctdctd]

As someone in a similar situation - Ltd Co, VAT FRS, doing own PAYE etc, is there anything that must be done legally by a qualified accountant?

Can I do my own year end accounts and submission?

[Jason D]

Accounts

There is nothing to stop you.

Proceed with caution, if you really want to do them yourself then at least give them to an accountant to give them the once over.

[ctdctd]

Does anyone know if there's a good book or training course I can go on to make sure I can do all the following

VAT returns, PAYE, NI, Payroll, Expenses.

Thanks

Nick

And to answer the OP :-) I've learnt everything from this board and the official PAYE and VAT websites. Time will tell if it's enough!

[RightLaugh]

or just get a good accountant. SJD. Simple.

[ctdctd]

or just get a good accountant. SJD. Simple.

I'd rather learn to do it myself - sad, but I find it interesting!

[TheFaQQer]

I'm a sole trader contractor Ltd company on flat rate VAT

No you're not.

Either you are a sole trader, or you are the sole employee of a limited company. You can't be a sole trader limited company.

[malvolio]

I'd rather learn to do it myself - sad, but I find it interesting!

It's not a problem provided you never make a mistake, hit all the deadlines and are up to speed on all the relevant legislation changes. If you are confident enough (and disciplined enough!) to do that then fine, you don't really need an accountant.

For this mere mortal though, it's the one bit of the business I'd rather outsource to an expert - and I used to be an accountant!

[RightLaugh]

It's not a problem provided you never make a mistake, hit all the deadlines and are up to speed on all the relevant legislation changes. If you are confident enough (and disciplined enough!) to do that then fine, you don't really need an accountant.

For this mere mortal though, it's the one bit of the business I'd rather outsource to an expert - and I used to be an accountant!

I agree. 1 Mistake and it could cost you 5 yrs+ accounting fees.
Judging by the Sole trader and LTD comment above that could come sooner then later.

[RightLaugh]

I'd rather learn to do it myself - sad, but I find it interesting!

yes you are right it is sad.